VETIVER SYSTEM FOR
RIVER AND CANAL BANK
STABILISATION
Paul Truong
TVNI Technical Director
Email <[email protected]>
Brisbane, Australia
All materials in this document remain the property of TVNI. Permission must be
obtained for their use. Copyright © 2017
Principles of the Vetiver System for River
Bank Stabilisation
In flood erosion control and riverbank stabilisation the VS
uses the deep and high tensile root system to reinforce the
bank slopes and its dense and stiff stems to spread and
reduce flow velocity.
• To stabilise the bank steep gradients, horizontal rows planted on
approximate contour lines
• To reduce flow velocity of the strong current therefore preventing
scouring from the strong flow, planting of cross rows is needed.
• For maximum effect, the cross rows are orientated at right angle
to the flow direction.
• The spacing of both horizontal and cross rows varies with slope
gradient and length, soil type, flow velocity and depth.
Strong current flattened the native grass but not vetiver on
this waterway
Water level
Water trickles down
Indoor flume test
PC: Seth Dabney
Water level
In flume test a mature hedge can bank up water to
600mm depth
STREAMBANK STABILISATION IN AUSTRALIA
Severe erosion on the abutment of the Coolumboola
Creek bridge near Miles.
Vetiver planting following repair
Cross rows are most effective when planted right
angle to flow direction
One month after planting
Six month after planting
There were several big flows during the first summer and no damages
were noted. This abutment is now well protected by these mature vetiver.
18 months after planting
Five years after planting
Vetiver
Dam spillway protection
Six months after planting
Eight months after planting
Vetiver
Mekong Delta Vietnam: Protecting bank against wave erosion
Six months after planting
Assam, India: Doria Bridge approach, Note: grid pattern
Two months after planting
Two years after planting
Thank you
